July 12, 2007

BIZ SPOTLIGHT: Hush Baby caters to moms and kids
By MARIE EKBERG PADILLA
COLUMNIST

Business name: Hush Baby

Owners: Tina Muller (interviewed) and Stephanie Nalick

Address: 1501 Corporate Drive, Suite B6, Ladera Ranch

Phone: 949-364-5555

Web site: www.hushbabyladera.com

Type of business: Children's clothing and accessories

When it opened: June 1

Describe your business: It's an upscale, multi-service children and maternity boutique. We offer a chic collection of clothing, shoes, accessories and gifts for infants to kids up to 8 years old. We also offer additional services such as: in-store photography, interior design services, ultrasound art and complementary latte and cookies. We also have story time every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon.

Why did you start this business: We both have children. Stephanie has a daughter and I have a 1-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter. And we have always wanted to own our own business.

Your background/education: Stephanie and I have been friends for 16 years and started in the computer industry together. While going to college, we met at Merisel, a large computer distributor company. Then, Stephanie started Bella Bliss, a custom note card and stationary company. From that we transitioned into She Too, which is our DBA (doing business as.) So now we sell our custom-made note cards and apparel in the store.

I have a business degree from California State University, Fullerton, and Stephanie has a bachelor's degree from California State University, Long Beach.

How long did it take you to get from idea to open doors? Eight months. We did a lot of research and talked to many other franchise owners, since Hush Baby is a franchise.

Did you write a business plan? Yes, a very detailed one. I probably did a year of research (in addition to the eight months) before signing the lease at the Terrace Shops.

What is your advice to other business owners? Do you homework and anything is possible. Your positive attitude will carry you through anything.

What is the biggest challenge running your business? Balancing life and workload.

What is the most rewarding? Owning something of your own. All the hard work and energy that you put into something pay off, because you are doing something you love to do.